offered to the dwarf and dwarfess." The knight pledged him his faith
of this, and proceeded to the Court of Arthur, and said as he had
promised, and conveyed the threat to Kai.

And Peredur rode forward. And within that week he encountered
sixteen knights, and overthrew them all shamefully. And they all
went to Arthur's Court, taking with them the same message which the
first knight had conveyed from Peredur, and the same threat which he
had sent to Kai. And thereupon Kai was reproved by Arthur; and Kai
was greatly grieved thereat.

And Peredur rode forward. And he came to a vast and desert wood, on
the confines of which was a lake. And on the other side was a fair
castle. And on the border of the lake he saw a venerable, hoary-
headed man, sitting upon a velvet cushion, and having a garment of
velvet upon him. And his attendants were fishing in the lake. When
the hoary-headed man beheld Peredur approaching, he arose and went
towards the castle. And the old man was lame. Peredur rode to the
palace, and the door was open, and he entered the hall. And there
was the hoary-headed man sitting on a cushion, and a large blazing
fire burning before him. And the household and the company arose to
meet Peredur, and disarrayed him. And the man asked the youth to sit
on the cushion; and they sat down, and conversed together. When it
was time, the tables were laid, and they went to meat. And when they
had finished their meal, the man inquired of Peredur if he knew well
how to fight with the sword. "I know not," said Peredur, "but were I
to be taught, doubtless I should." "Whoever can play well with the
cudgel and shield, will also be able to fight with a sword." And the
man had two sons; the one had yellow hair, and the other auburn.
"Arise, youths," said he, "and play with the cudgel and the shield."